Jesus as God
Jesus Gives the Living Water of Eternal Life
Living water was a natural image for fresh flowing water, but Israel's Scriptures also use it for God as the source of spiritual life.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Divine Identity
Divine Authority
Old Testament YHWH Identification
Fulfills YHWH Passage
Grants Salvation
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
Rembrandt — Biblical Works
Gustave Doré — New Testament
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James Tissot
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that he can give living water which becomes a spring welling up to eternal life.
Historical and Cultural Context
Jeremiah calls YHWH the fountain of living waters and condemns Israel for forsaking him.
Old Testament Background
Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13; Isaiah 55:1 are central backgrounds.
Exposition
Jesus does not merely direct the woman to God's fountain; he says the living water is his to give.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The claim anticipates John 7, where Jesus again summons the thirsty to come to him and John identifies the gift with the Spirit.
Response of the Hearers
The woman progressively recognizes Jesus' significance and brings others to him.